The Wabash River and Sugar Creek project area spans more than 43,000 acres. It begins along the tributary Sugar Creek at Shades State Park and runs southwest to where it joins the Wabash. Following the Wabash south-southwest, the project area ends at Fairbanks Landing Fish & Wildlife Area, south of Terre Haute. The project area follows 94 river miles along the Wabash and stretches across five counties: Montgomery, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo.

About 1,321 acres are now open in the Sugar Creek Conservation Area, which is primarily forested with rugged terrain and is rich in biological diversity. Habitats found in this area include, upland forests, ravine forests, cliffs, bottomland forests, flatwoods, seeps and springs. Wildlife species commonly found include deer, turkey and migratory birds.

Sugar Creek public access site is located south of State Road 32, off of West County Road 2505.

Shoreline fishing along Sugar Creek is allowed. All size and bag limits apply.

HUNTING

Deep canyons, hemlock groves and hardwood hillsides compose most of the area. Hunting is available for squirrel, turkey, and deer.

Furbearers are also abundant throughout the area. Limited opportunities for rabbit, quail, and woodcock. No check-in is required to hunt or fish throughout the area. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply.

There are no draws for reserved hunting.

There is no draw for trapping.

Youth can hunt during the special youth seasons throughout the year.

Currently no bonus antlerless permits are allowed.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Sugar Creek is a great place to view a wide variety of birds and waterfowl. River otters, beavers, deer and other mammals are also common.

Office sign-in is not required to scout, fish, hike or wildlife watch.

Gathering berries, nuts and mushrooms is allowed; however, spring mushroom hunting is restricted to after noon during the spring turkey season. The collection of ginseng is not allowed.

There is no gun range.

RULES

NO Camping and NO Swimming Allowed.

Please Read and Obey All Signs.

In addition to state and wildlife laws, this property is governed by posted regulations affecting the public use of lands and facilities owned, leased or licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.

Violation of any law, rule or regulation governing this property may be cause for forfeiting your hunting, fishing or visiting privileges on this area.

The DNR will not be held responsible for any accidents or deaths occurring from the use of these facilities.

A hunting and/or fishing license is required to hunt or fish on the property.

Collecting permits are required for the collection of anything except nuts, berries, and mushrooms.

Please be courteous to neighboring landowners. Watch for property boundary and safety zone signs. Stay inside boundaries. Do not trespass on private property.

Traffic on public roads throughout the area is governed by state and county laws. No motorized vehicles, ATVs, horses or bicycles are permitted beyond county roads. Traffic over service roads and trails, except by authorized vehicles, is restricted to walking. Park only in designated lots.